Ironic as it sounds, there are actually studies and proven psychological theories that point to keeping babies and kids close to parents as an important component in raising them to become independent and confident. This is the theory of attachment parenting. This parenting technique encourages a strong emotional bond between babies and their mothers. This starts early on during conception and goes on throughout the child’s growing up years. This theory was developed by pediatric expert Dr. William Sears, MD.
Contrary to the dependence that this theory seems to encourage, the children who are raised using this parenting technique actually grow up to be more secure and independent. They are also found to have the ability to form more meaningful social relationships when they reach adulthood.
Goofying on cam is one of our bonding moments.
Attachment parenting is founded on several principles that revolve around nurturing the connection between parents and children. The process starts during the early stages of pregnancy when the parents are taught to eliminate negative emotions about pregnancy. Parents have to be ready for the emotional and physical demands of carrying a child for nine months and delivering a healthy baby into this world. The positive mind set developed during this stage will carry on through the baby’s birth. Breastfeeding and co-sleeping arrangements are welcomed as part of sound child rearing practices. Parents seek to understand cries and other expressions of emotion. These are treated as efforts to communicate. The understanding that ensues strengthens the bond between parents and children. Other practices like baby-wearing and regular family time are also part of this parenting technique.
When children feel that their parents are around to support them, they are able to understand their surroundings better. Advocates of attachment parenting have found connections between severely mal-adapted children and the failure to form secure attachments. There is what is referred to as the reactive attachment disorder or RAD which is diagnosed in children who are deprived of physical and emotional care. While this kind of disorder develops only in severely neglected children, there are similar instances of lesser magnitude observed in children who are not as emotionally attached to their parents. Parents who want to adopt this parenting style should be ready to devote time and attention to their children. Resorting to modern conveniences like the availability of child care services as well as feeding and childcare tools as a means to compensate for lack of parental time are not encouraged at all.
There are plenty of information materials that focus on how to put this parenting style into action. The most important part of childrearing, however, is the parents’ commitment and dedication towards raising happy, well-balanced, and self-reliant children.